Copy of Copy of The Olmecs

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Transcript of Copy of Copy of The Olmecs

The Outstanding OlmecsThe Olmec were the oldest Mesoamerican civilization.Their influence spanned from1200 BCE to 400 BCEThe word "Olmec" means "dwellers in theland of rubber." Rubber trees flourished inthe area where the Olmec lived. Some of this rubber was used to create rubber balls, which the Olmec (and later the Aztecs) used in games.If you find this text, you are prettyamazing.Cassie killed NataliaCassie was hereTHIS IS A PIRATE SHIPLake VictoriaRubber?!!!GUATEMALABibliographyhttp://www.fcschools.net/esl/lessons/mexicounit/history.htmlhttp://www.aztec-history.com/olmec-civilization.htmlhttp://eclecticspot.wordpress.com/tag/olmec/http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/olmec-life.htmwww.ancient.eu/Olmec_Civilization/http://www.historytoday.com/historical-dictionary/o/olmec-civilizationhttp://www.olmec.info/http://www.discoverymexico.com/guides/history-olmec-civilization.aspx#CS

Wars and ConquestsThey invaded small land areas.They never invaded other large civilizations or large areas of land.The Ball GameThe Olmecs played a ball game to determine sacrifices to the gods.Captain of the winning team was sacrificed andhonor was brought to his family.Rio = best movie everImportant PeopleWith such little information on the Olmecs,no important people were found.-Some of the lasting impressions the Olmec:~Artstatues, pottery, and paintings~Tools~Architecture ~Culture -Known as the "Mother Culture"~ developed a culture & way of life for those that would follow>Mayans and Aztecs>Toltecs -Established a set of political, religious and aesthetic traditions which influenced later Mesoamerican cultures. Such as: ~large ceremonial centers (ex: Tres Zapotes, La Venta, and San Lorenzo)

<-- La Venta

~platform mounds and step pyramids~stone carving ~distinctive religious iconography~expansive and warlike states Influences and Important Contributions:-Believed to have been the early adopters of the complex religious system that the Mayans and the Aztecs would use. >Polytheistic religion with sacrifices and offerings made for the Gods-Structure of cities-The calendar used in the Olmec society was used by many subsequent Mesoamerican cultures.Lasting Impressions:Peak population was unknown,though the capital city of La Venta is believed to have held up to 18,000 people at one point.We believe the Olmecs were important to the development of other culturesbecause they were one of the first known civilizations, they set the precedence for all the following civilizations. They:- Set a certain way of life that people altered as civilizations grew and advanced, present to this day in Mexican culture-Created a distinct art style adopted by subsequent cultures-Created a unique calendar system that developed new areas of mathematics.

What we think:Who took over after their empire collapsed?

No one group took over after the Olmec civilizationcollapsed. Smaller groups rose up and absorbed what was left. One of these groups was the Mayan civilization.Youtube video!!!Government StructureThe ruler was a priest king.(Monarchy)-Warrior, Social and Religious leaderNo specific ruler's names found.

2.The Olmec culture ceased to exist due to failure to adapt to environmental changes.Enter Mayans

Most citizens produced food

They grew maize, beans, squash; they also fished

They traded mostly with the Mokoya

They traded their food items for luxuries:ObsidianAnimal SkinsSalt & CacaoDesirable stones, such as Jadeite

The Olmecs influenced Mokoya art styles

Olmec TradeTimeline 1500-1000 BCE- coastal lowland and rich soil results in a larger population. Elite groups come up. Olmecs appear. Trade span land and influence. Most people are hunters and gatherers World-New Kingdom of Egypt 1000-500 BCE- Olmec cultural influence has spread-stepped pyramid, enormous basalt heads. Other civilizations rise and are influenced but not absorbedWorld- Old Kingdoms in Middle East including Egypt , hundreds of city states flourish on coasts and islands off the Mediterranean Sea-ancient Greece 500-200 BCE- Olmec heartland has declined.300 BCE- End of OlmecWorld- Hellenistic Age (Alexander the Great appears). In the west new power Rome appears.Population:What other major civilizations were flourishing in different areas of the world at the same time?In the Beginning...Ancient Greece began to flourish in this time, while Ancient Egypt began to decline.The "Big Headed"OlmecsThe Olmec were known for their massive heads (much like 7th graders!)Stone Age- no iron tools!weight- roughly 8 tonsheight- 10-15 feet!transported over 70 miles!thought to represent Olmec rulers17 found so farThat's Huge!!ReligionOlmec rulers may have served as priests or shamanspolytheisticclaimed kinship with the jaguar; shamans were believed to enter the spirit world and transform into jaguars and other creaturespracticed human sacrifice The "Great Pyramid" in La VentaEl Castillo (Spanish for "the castle"), also known as the Temple of Kukulcan, which was built by the Mayans (who were influenced by the Olmec)El Castillo (Spanish for "the castle"), also known as the Temple of Kukulcan, was built by the Mayans, who were influenced by the Olmec.Another HUGE head, but not onemade by the Olmec